A forgotten history whispers from these walls. This is the Centro Deportivo Municipal Antiguo Canódromo. More than just a sports center it’s a living testament to Madrid’s dynamic past.
Originally built in 1960 it opened as the Canódromo de Carabanchel a bustling dog racing track. Imagine the roar of the crowd the thrill of the race. Thousands flocked here for the excitement. The Canódromo was wildly popular regularly selling out. It even hosted ten Spanish greyhound championships. But times changed. The popularity of dog racing waned. In 1989 the city of Madrid bought the site.
The next chapter was even more ambitious. The plan was to transform the space into a velodrome a cycling track. The ambitious project included a stunning track made from African Afzelia wood. The cost was a staggering six million euros. Unfortunately the velodrome was never completed. It became a symbol of stalled ambition and wasted money. It even served briefly as a makeshift shelter for the homeless. This led to significant protests from local residents.
Finally in 2007 the site was reborn as a football stadium. The grandstands were renovated and two artificial turf pitches were installed one for 11-a-side football and another for 7-a-side. The stadium hosted its first game in 2007 a match between CD Puerta Bonita and Real Madrid Castilla. A 0-6 win for Real Madrid marked the occasion.
The Centro Deportivo Municipal Antiguo Canódromo has seen many transformations. It’s a powerful reminder that even in decline structures can be repurposed and revitalized. Today it is a sports center enjoyed by the local community. But beneath the modern facilities lies a rich history of racing dogs and abandoned dreams. The site stands as a unique example of Madrid’s ever-evolving urban landscape. Its story serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly inconsequential places can have surprising stories to tell.